I like to camp.  I like gear too.  This site is all about what I think is the best stuff to bring camping, and the reasons why.  Hopefully you can get something out of it while entertaining yourself.

Let’s start with the baker’s dozen.

My 13 non-conventional “bring for camping” items is based on hundreds of hours of actual camping experience in quintessential Algonquin Park (which is a classic temperate forest parkland dotted with lots of lakes), watching tons of youtube videos, and just my simple stubborn opinion.

I will expand on each item in its own article, but here is the Cole’s Notes version of my “must carry” items:

• leather work gloves:  they protect your hands
• pocket bellows:  fire management 101
• axe:  get the best you can afford with at least an 18″ handle
• saw:  the compliment to an axe
• metal bowl:  indestructible
• spoon:  why carry all three separate utensils?
• headlamp:  instead of a handheld flashlight; keeps both hands free
• fire starters:  always carry 2 ways to light a fire (because 2 is 1, and 1 is 0 when it comes to preparedness)
• tongs:  so much easier to pick up food off a hot grill this way
• first-aid kit:  for emergencies, because there always is one when you least expect it
• whistle:  need help? lost? ’nuff said
• knife:  it’s always on every list
• toilet paper:  how to keep clean